We are here to help. Our Canadian Cancer Society experts answer your personal questions about cancer – from prevention to treatment and recovery.

Q: Joan from Oshawa asks:
“I am considering registering for a clinical trial. What do I need to know before participating?”

A:
There are many reasons why someone may choose to take part in a clinical trial. Each clinical trial has its own action plan, criteria for eligibility and benefits and risks. It is important that you understand what these are before you decide to enroll in a trial suited to you. Discuss the details of the clinical trial with your healthcare team. You may also want to talk about it with the people close to you.

If you are considering whether you should participate in a trial, it is important to talk to your doctor about the possible benefits and risks.

Possible benefits:

Clinical trials offer quality cancer care. It is possible that you might not receive the new treatment being tested. However, you can be assured that you will receive the best standard cancer treatment available.

In learning about clinical research and joining a clinical trial, you will be taking an active role in a decision that affects your life. This can be personally empowering.

You may benefit from the extra follow-up care provided for participants.

You have a chance to help others and to improve the treatment of cancer.

Possible risks:

New treatments under study aren't always better than, or as good as, the standard ones.

There may be unexpected side effects that may be worse than those caused by standard treatments.

Being in a trial may take extra time or be inconvenient. You may be required to have more tests or take extra medicines.

Q: Deepa from Toronto wanted to know:
“My father was recently diagnosed with cancer. Does that mean that I am more likely to have cancer?”

A:
While all cancers could be considered to be genetic – as they are triggered by altered genes – only a small portion of cancers (up to 10%) are passed on from one family generation to another. The risk of having an inherited gene mutation is generally talked about in relation to 1 of 3 groups – low, medium or high.

A cancer might be considered hereditary for a family if:

the cancer is present in a number of generations

family members have developed cancer when they were younger than 50 years of age or at a younger age than usual for that type of cancer

family members have had more than 1 type of cancer

Depending on your risk of developing cancer, cancer specialists may advise certain preventive and/or early detection measures. These recommendations may be made with or without genetic testing.

There are tests available that can identify if you are at increased risk. Let your healthcare provider know if any of your close relatives (parents, brothers sisters and children) have ever been diagnosed with cancer. Genetic testing should always be carried out at a clinic that also provides supportive counselling and education. Some people may decide not to take genetic testing when they understand the implications to their personal situation.

Q:
Sally from Ottawa asked:
“I recently began cancer treatment and I am wondering if I can continue to exercise during my treatment?
”

A:
Many doctors now encourage people with cancer to be as active as possible during treatment and recovery. Being active can reduce stress or anxiety, improve your mood and self-esteem, boost your energy, stimulate your appetite, help you sleep and help you regain your strength during recovery. Exercise can also help you reduce side effects like nausea, fatigue and constipation.

Exercise also helps you maintain a healthy body weight, which has many benefits. People who are able to maintain a healthy body weight are better able to handle treatment and its side effects, and they often recover faster. Studies have also shown that gaining weight during and after treatment can raise the risk of cancer coming back.

How much physical activity you can do during cancer treatment often depends on your overall health and physical condition, how you cope with treatment and what side effects you may have. Some people – for example, someone who has had breast surgery – may be given particular exercises to follow as part of their recovery.

You will need to check with your doctor before starting any exercise program. This is true even if you exercised regularly before being diagnosed. After your doctor has said it’s okay, you might also meet with a physical therapist or another healthcare professional with experience in this area. They can help you develop an exercise program that is safe, effective and fun for you.

The Canadian Cancer Society’s team of Cancer Information Specialists come from a variety of healthcare backgrounds such as nursing, social work, medicine, diagnostics and research. As Cancer Information Specialists, they have extensive knowledge of cancer care delivery systems and issues, oncology principles and excellent communication skills. They answer questions from the public about specific cancer types, tests, treatments, prevention and supportive care as well as providing access to practical and emotional support and resources.

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